Baltic have teamed up with The Rough Water Gear Company to produce a slimline buoyancy aid primarily aimed at the surfski market but equally suited to kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding or sailing in general.
The Baltic 5600 is narrower across the chest and back than a traditional buoyancy aid and this allows for much greater upper body and arm movement. Torso rotation and shoulder extension is unrestricted giving the paddler the freedom to perform some of the more acrobatic manoeuvres required in the surf zone.
There’s a good sized pocket with bellows on the back that will take a 2L hydration pouch as well as a couple of D rings on the shoulders to keep the drinking tube from flaying about.
On the front, there’s another good sized pocket, with velcro closure, to store your phone, flares, VHF or a snack, with 2 further D rings for securing them.
The pockets are not waterproof (nor would I expect them to be) and have mesh bases to allow for easy draining.
It’s donned over the head with a fixed neck opening, which I found snug but more than adequate once fitted, and is secured with both a waist belt and crutch strap which keeps it cinched down and stops any side to side movement or riding up.
The foam buoyancy has 65 newtons lift and didn’t feel cumbersome or get in the way during use.
It retails for a very reasonable £48.